Stiff index finger

[Gunflash]

Good morning All, Still learning so sorry about some basic questions. Has anybody had their index finger go completely straight and stiff with a cramp like pain. I have had it about 5 times during the past two weeks. a massage and it goes. Could this be part of a flare? I have never had swelling of the hands or joints, but do get a tingling feeling in the hands sometimes.

I mentioned this to my GP along with the calf muscle pain I get around 5am. He did not diagnose PMR for me one of the other GPs did. He said it could be something different and has taken some more blood. This will be my second blood test, the first was two months ago, when I was diagnosed.

[jinasc]

I cannot help you with your questions, some one else will be along.

I just wanted to say, you don't have to apologise for asking any question however odd it may seem to be to you. That is why we are here for each other.

Just ask away.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Could be PMR - like jinasc I had GCA only so not able to comment.

Possibility of cramp maybe if massage helps. We do recommend magnesium for that, or good old Epsom salts - give your hand a soak in warm water with ES add.

[Theziggy]

My right hand middle finger has been swollen for a few years - not painful, just swollen. I did mention it to my rheumy on one of my rare appointments, and he nodded and said "I know what that is" and didn't explain any further. So I have still no idea what it is!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Theziggy]

I'd not have left without an answer!!!!

[Theziggy in reply to PMRpro]

I know, but I was there to convince him that I had Palindromic Rheumatism and not Polymyalgia rheumatica - thanks to this forum which showed me I had something similar but NOT the same!!

So, I did convince him after some heated exchanges where he bowed to my argument, though somewhere in the to and fro my finger lost it's significance. Also I have had it for years and there is no pain or loss of function.

[SheffieldJane]

I had this before my PMR diagnosis. The finger would be stuck for a while and sometimes crack when it released. I suspect that I cracked a bone without realising it and Osteoarthritis set in. It is slightly swollen compared to the others. I think Pred helped but I don’t think it was PMR related.

[HeronNS]

Look up "trigger finger" and see if it sounds like your symptoms. I had this, years before PMR diagnosis, and when the doctor muttered something about snipping a tendon I promptly took myself off to a physiotherapist! She had to look it up and bring me back for a follow-up visit. She showed me how to find the tendon or ligament whatever it's called, which was catching, and massage the area. I did this, condition cleared up, and with only an occasional and gradually rarer occurrence it has since troubled me no more.

[Hoobabes]

I have a similar thing with my thumbs when they lay across the palm of my hand and I have to.massage them.to get them to move. I also get the worst cramp/spasm up the back of my neck the non gca side.

As I'm.writing this I'm.trying to remember when the last time was and I think. This has improved with the vit d that I take.

I also drink tonic daily mainly without the gin as the quinine Is supposed to.help

I did suffer with cramp prior to diagnosis but this is different some how and can be anywhere.

🥺

[Bronni]

My index finger is the only visible toll of pmr. Slightly swollen with enlarged first knuckle. This happened prior to diagnosis and prednisone